s--[_Sketch_]. In the streets we have met men in black
with cocked hats. They are "Ansprekers," who go to announce a man's
death to his friends. The jewellery of the common women is marvellous;
Mr. Krelage (our Dutch friend) says they have sometimes L400 of gold
and jewels upon them!!! A common market woman I saw to-day wore a
plate of gold under her cap of this shape--[_Sketch_]. Then a white
[_Sketch_] lace cap. Then a bonnet highly-trimmed with flowers, and a
white feather and green ribbons; and on her temples filagree gold and
pearl, pins, brooches and earrings; round her neck three gold
chains--one of many little ones together clasped by a gorgeous
clasp--the next supporting a highly-elaborate gold cross--a longer one
still supporting a heart and some other device. She had rings also,
and a short common purple stuff dress which she took up when she sat
down for fear of crushing it; no shawl and a black silk apron!!

_Thursday._ We have been to the Museum. Below is the "Royal Cabinet" of
curiosities, and above are the pictures. Some of the former were _very_
interesting. The hat, doublet, etc. in which William the Silent was
murdered--the pistol, two bullets, etc., and a copy of Balthazar
Geraardt's condemnation, and his watch, on which were some beautiful
little paintings. Admiral Ruiter's sabre, armour, chain and medal;
Admiral Tromp's armour; Jacqueline of Bavaria's chair, and locks of her
hair. Also a very curious model--a large baby-house imitating a Dutch
_menage_, intended by Peter the Great as a present to his wife. A
wonderful toy!! R. was quite at home among the "relics." Besides
historical relics, the cabinet contains the most marvellous collection
of Japanese things. It is a most choice collection. There were some such
funny things--a _fiance_ and _fiancee_ of Japan in costume were killing!
and made-up monsters like life-sized mummies of the most hideous demons!
Besides indescribably exquisite workmanship of all sorts. The pictures
are not so charming a collection as those at Antwerp, but there are some
grand ones. Tell Mother--Paul Potter's Bull is too indescribable! His
nose, his hair, and a frog at his feet are wonderful! There is a
portrait by Rubens of his second wife that would have charmed T.; she is
_lovely_, and the picture has that _sunshiny_ beauty he will remember in
"S. Anne teaching the B.V.M." I suspect she was the model for his most
lovable faces. There is a large and wonderful Rembrandt--